Hikmat Hajiyev: France obviously pursues a pro-Armenian policy, while it should act as a neutral party in accordance with its mandate

“French officials make one-sided, biased and non-objective statements, which run counter to the mandate of France as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group. France obviously pursues a pro-Armenian policy and makes completely groundless accusations against Azerbaijan, while it should act as a neutral party in accordance with its mandate,” Assistant to the Azerbaijani President, Head of Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration Hikmat Hajiyev told journalists.

Hikmat Hajiyev said: “France did not have any role in the adoption of a joint statement by the Azerbaijani and Russian presidents and the Prime Minister of Armenia. France is probably experiencing envy in Russia’s role on this issue.

Armenian Prime Minister’s signing this document says everything. Now France attempts to be more Armenian than the Armenians themselves.

France does not have any authority to speak on behalf of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs.

While France, as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, has not taken any steps towards the elimination of Armenia’s ongoing occupation against Azerbaijan and the implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions, it now demonstrates unilaterally assiduous commitment. I wonder if France has ever worried about Azerbaijani IDPs who were unable to return to their homelands during these 30 years? However, on the contrary, the liberation of Azerbaijani lands from the occupation, and ensuring the rule of international law continues to concern France.

Finally, I would like to remind French authorities that the name of Shusha city - the historical land of Azerbaijan which has a special place in the heart of Azerbaijani people and was liberated from the occupation, is not “Shushi” but “Shusha.”